Martyrdom -- Notable Quotable

Sobering words that I hope we'll all prayerfully consider following the previous piece that was published about the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world...

"The very truth to which we bear witness comes at a great cost -- it can cost us our reputation, popularity, and prestige. It may even cost us our families, friends, or our lives. But the message of our witness is so powerful that we are exhorted to 'lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us' (Hebrews 12:1), in order to run with the endurance the 'race' that God has set before us in our life."
-- Richard Wurmbrand
[Tortured For Christ / "The Martyr" / Page 8]

"Martyrdom is not depressing, but necessary for movement into a prayerful understanding of global Christian reality...necessary in order to receive that which has been 'granted on behalf of Christ' -- 'to suffer for His sake' (Philippians 1:29)."
-- Richard Wurmbrand
[Tortured For Christ / "The Martyr" / Page 9]

"Nearly every family had a member in prison, and the poverty was great. Men asked, 'How is it that a God of love permits the triumph of evil?' It likewise would not have been easy for the apostles to preach Christ on Good Friday, as Jesus died on the cross crying, 'My God, why have You forsaken Me?' But the fact that the work continued to bear fruit proves that it was from God and not from us. The Christian faith has an answer to such questions."
-- Richard Wurmbrand
[Tortured For Christ / "The Russians' Avid Thirst For Christ" / Page 28]

In closing, I would like to share one final passage from this book...

In the Western world, persecution of Christians is often deemed a "human rights" issue, with an emphasis on the government to guarantee religious freedom and the protection it awards. While this may be true in part, we need to look beyond human reasoning and into the heavenlies. Jesus said, "'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). He also warned us that "in the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33), and "you will be hated by all for My name's sake" (Matthew 10:22). "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12).

Although we are called to take every opportunity to help those in need, we are to recognize that the "rite" of Christians is to be persecuted. Eleven of the twelve disciples were murdered. Jesus never said it would be any different for us. It is part of who we are in Christ. Not all of us are called to suffer persecution, as Richard Wurmbrand did. But when trials do come, we should not be surprised but rather should rejoice that we have been considered worthy to suffer for Christ. For He has also stated, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).

It becomes clear as we study the New Testament that persecution is not, nor ever will be, foreign to the Church on this earth. Therefore, we have an obligation as members of that Body to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) until Christ returns. To do otherwise would be to reject our Christian responsibility and the teachings of Jesus.

It is difficult to comprehend that joy and freedom can coexist with some of the worst sufferings known to man, to reconcile how suffering can be granted to us as a "gift" on behalf of Christ (Philippians 1:29). But there is little place for human understanding in the spiritual man destined to live eternally with Christ.
-- Richard Wurmbrand
[Tortured For Christ / "Epilogue" / Pages 152-154]

I pray that you let all of that sink in for a moment.

I pray that you find encouragement in these words of an overcoming faith, and take the opportunity to prepare spiritually for what's coming while you still can.

I pray that you take this opportunity to be an encouragement to those around the world who suffer greatly for their faith in Jesus Christ.

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